No.35
Leaf Matching Cards
Japanese name: 木の葉カルタ
Materials
- Two leaves each of 4–5 distinctive types, using fallen leaves
- A cloth or sheet
- A bag
How to play
- Lay one leaf of each type on a cloth and place the matching set in a bag as caller cards. Compare their shapes and sizes.
- Make two teams and choose one representative each. Stand equally far from the cloth and agree to walk, not rush, to select a leaf.
- The caller shows one leaf from the bag. Both representatives point to or gently touch a leaf they think is the same type.
- The first correct team earns 1 point. If both choose simultaneously, award each 1 point; do not tug over the leaf.
- Change representatives until everyone has played at least once. Finish by discussing similarities and differences.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: choose together without competition. Older primary school children: give clues describing features instead of showing a leaf.